Thomas Hargreaves reports from Kedleston Road
ProChance manager Liam Sutcliffe has likened today’s title decider to standing at the altar on a wedding day.
This afternoon, the University of Derby men’s firsts – mainly comprising ProChance players – face Worcester University in their final BUCS Midlands Tier 2B league match of the season, knowing a win will secure the title and promotion.
The permutations are simple: Derby needs a win to secure promotion against an already-relegated Worcester side.
Sutcliffe said: “When you’re walking up the aisle to get married, you don’t think you’re not going to get married, do you?
“We’re at that stage now — we’ve done all the planning and preparation, and now it’s just about delivering when it matters.”
Worcester will be relegated regardless of today’s result following their 3-0 defeat to Birmingham University.
Sutcliffe also emphasised how much success would mean to the wider university community, not just ProChance Football, the company who provide the bulk of the men’s firsts.
Speaking about the opposition, Sutcliffe added: “Their league position isn’t a true reflection of them.
“They’re not the worst team in the league. I think they’ve had some awful luck and a bit of a dysfunctional start, but Neil Howarth [head coach of Worcester] has done well to get them into a position where they almost stayed up.”
The head coach added: “I think it will showcase that the University of Derby can succeed in men’s football and possibly other sports.
“It would show that doing things in a certain way, creating the right environment, and maintaining high standards leads to success.”
Sutcliffe confirmed the team news. “Unfortunately, two players [Michael N’Guessan and Chuma Nthlala] are not in the squad. The bench is strong, which I’m pleased about,” he said.
“I’m delighted that Ned Bosworth has been passed fit to be on the bench after six weeks out.”
